When it comes to Christmas trees and the environment, there may still be a debate between real vs. artificial trees, but there is no debate about this: If you have a real Christmas tree in Vancouver, you should recycle it.
Not only do recycled Christmas trees reduce holiday waste, they are turned into reusable compost that provides valuable soil nutrients. Groups that recycle the trees also make thousands of dollars for charity via money and canned-food donations. (So don't forget to "tip"!)
Tip: Trees must be cut (not potted) and without any adornment--so take off all tinsel and lights!
Charity Christmas Tree Recycling - Recycling by Donation
Dates TBA; Check back soon for updates!
Lions Club Christmas Tree Recycling
Locations:
- Kerrisdale Community Ice Rink parking lot (East Boulevard north of 41st Avenue)
- Kits Beach parking lot (Cornwall and Arbutus Street)
- Sunset Beach upper parking lot (Pacific Boulevard and Broughton Street)
- Trout Lake Community Centre (Victoria Drive and 15th Avenue)
Christmas Tree Recycling at UBC Botanical Gardens
Location: UBC Botanical Garden parking lot, at 6804 South West Marine Dr.
City Recycling - Free Drop-Off Depots
Through January 31
Vancouver South Transfer Station, Recycling Depot & Yard Trimmings Drop-off
Location: 377 West Kent Avenue North
Curbside Recycling
Through January 31
Vancouver households with city yard trimmings collections can leave their trees curbside, but the trees must be unbagged and placed at least one metre from wheeled carts before 7am on collection day.
For more on Christmas in Vancouver, see the Vancouver Christmas Guide.
